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  #1  
Old 08-20-2011, 02:59 PM
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W115 fuel gauge not working

Hi Guys,

I noticed that my fuel gauge needle is stuck below the R line. I know I have plenty of fuel in the tank. Is this a fuel sender issue? When the car idles, the needle does vibrate around, but does not respond to the fuel in the tank.

Do I need to change the fuel sender? If so, is it something that is sticking into the fuel tank I can unbolt?

Thanks

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Old 08-21-2011, 03:35 AM
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It wouldn't surprise me if your fuel sender was just gunked up...

I also wouldn't be surprised if the fuel sender in a W115 was the same as a W123 or nearly the same...

So have a look at this

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W123FuelSender

And this for more pictures

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=277167
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1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!

Last edited by Stretch; 08-21-2011 at 03:36 AM. Reason: Double negative...
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  #3  
Old 08-21-2011, 04:03 AM
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On a 115 any time guages act up I would look at the instrument cluster ground.
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..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.
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Old 08-21-2011, 08:12 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by t walgamuth View Post
On a 115 any time guages act up I would look at the instrument cluster ground.
That seems like a good plan to me - take the advice from someone who's owned the car!
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1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!
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Old 08-21-2011, 09:59 AM
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Thanks guys. Where is the ground for the instrument cluster? However my temp and oil gauge work fine.
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Old 08-21-2011, 03:07 PM
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Can somebody tell me how to access the fuel sender? Do I need to take the fuel tank off?

Thanks
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Old 08-21-2011, 06:05 PM
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Open trunk. Remove floor mat in trunk. Locate round plate in center of trunk floor. Remove plate, remove wire connector from sender.Remove retaining nuts, and slowly lift sender up, allowing fuel to drain from it back into the tank. When you replace the sender make sure you put wheelbearing grease on the O ring.
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Old 08-21-2011, 06:11 PM
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Thanks Carnut, I will try that out this evening. I already removed the carpet and only saw the two little lines going though a grommet under the car and into the tank below. I didn't see anything in the middle of the floor. I will look again.

Mark
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Old 08-21-2011, 08:21 PM
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Well, I removed it. It was quite corroded. I tried to clean it up but I snapped one of the micro lines and it was impossible to resolder it back into tension again, so I guess I will get a new one.

Thanks for your help,

Mark
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Old 08-21-2011, 08:54 PM
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I just checked the prices and one Canadian distributor wants $227 for a sending unit.

Are there universal units I can use?
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  #11  
Old 08-21-2011, 09:57 PM
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I advertise a WTB here for a good used one. I imagine someone in AZ or someplace dry will have a good one.
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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.
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  #12  
Old 08-22-2011, 03:28 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1975300D View Post
I just checked the prices and one Canadian distributor wants $227 for a sending unit.

Are there universal units I can use?
Bummer but actually not too expensive - I think the W123 one retails at 570 Euros...
__________________
1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!
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  #13  
Old 08-22-2011, 09:35 AM
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I have a w115 parts car, if your looking for the sender I could pull it and see how it looks. I am sure I can shave 3-4% off that dealer price.
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  #14  
Old 08-22-2011, 09:54 PM
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Thanks Bill. I resoldered my fuel sender, cleaned it up, checked for continuity and still the gauge does not respond.

However, at least the gas light comes on when I turn the key to accessories.

How do I know if my sender really is the problem?

How much would you want for yours?

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